Research at the Memorial
Charles Bean Research Centre
The Charles Bean Research Centre holds written records documenting Australian involvement in war and operational service, as well as the historical background of conflicts in which Australia has been involved and their effects on Australian society.
The majority of records held by the Research Centre have not been digitised and can only be viewed by visiting the Charles Bean Research Centre, or by requesting copies of collection material.
Visitors to the Charles Bean Research Centre are welcome to explore Australian or family military history. The Family History Volunteer Service is available to assist with family military history research onsite during opening hours.
The Charles Bean Research Centre is located near Poppy’s café.
Monday – Friday: 10 am – 4.30 pm
Saturday: 1 pm – 4.30 pm
The Research Centre is closed Sunday, ACT public holidays and Christmas shutdown (25 December 2025 to 1 January 2026 inclusive).
Request Research Centre collections
We require five business days to facilitate the retrieval of Research Centre collections such as archival documents and published collections. You will be notified once items are retrieved and available to view in the Charles Bean Research Centre.
There may be delays or restrictions in retrieving items that are stored offsite, or that require access examination, or conservation treatment. Staff will notify you if your request is affected.
Request a collection viewing
Viewings of other collection types (art, photographs, historical objects) are arranged where possible. Viewings of collection items not on display need to be requested at least ten business days before your proposed visit, to facilitate retrieval.
Collection items you wish to see may be unavailable due to preservation or other restrictions. We strongly recommend not making travel arrangements until you have confirmed a time and location for your viewing.
Some items can only be viewed at the Memorial’s offsite collection store in Mitchell, ACT.
Curatorial staff are not available for viewings on weekends, public holidays or the period between 25 December and 2 January.
Researching your family’s military history
Many Commonwealth official records, photographs, diaries and letters can be found in our digital collection.
Assistance with military family history research is available online and through a phone enquiry service.
You can submit your relative’s personal or service details and research question using the form below. We aim to respond to online enquiries within 10 working days.
Research assistance
Some helpful Research Guides and collection guides can assist you to get started with your research.
Our Reference Officers can be contacted to provide advice about what is in our collections, as well as the collections of related organisations that may benefit your research. Submit an online research enquiry or phone for assistance. We aim to respond to online enquiries within 10 working days.
Request digitisation of collection material
Many of the records held by the Charles Bean Research Centre are not available in digital format. You can request a cost estimate for the Memorial to digitise Research Centre collection material for you.
Digitised copies are made available on the Memorial’s website, or, if unable to be made available online, are sent by electronic document transfer.
Request a cost estimate for the Memorial to digitise Research Centre collection material by completing the below form. The fee structure for this service is available on About Collection Sales.
Phone enquiry service
Contact the Charles Bean Research Centre on (02) 6243 4315, between 9 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday, excluding ACT public holidays.
We can help with short enquiries over the telephone, however if you have a longer or more complex question, please send us an online enquiry instead.